Physio-Control, a provider of emergency medical response technologies worldwide, and the American Red Cross, a provider of hands-on emergency response and preparedness training, have announced that the two organizations have joined forces to help the public better prepare for and respond to sudden cardiac arrest, one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

In a release, the groups said that the partnership is aimed at improving public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR & AED training programs. Moving forward, the Red Cross will offer Physio-Control AEDs, including the LIFEPAK CR Plus, solutions and accessories in combination with Red Cross CPR/AED training and certification courses.

"We are looking forward to the partnership with Physio-Control and working together to help save lives," said Michael J. Chaplo, vice president of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross.

It is the expectation of both organizations that the partnership will strengthen public access defibrillation (PAD) programs by leveraging the Red Cross' in-depth knowledge and expertise in working with emergency response and relief agencies, as well as the deep-rooted experience and leadership Physio-Control has in the workplace & community, emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital markets, the groups noted in a release.

"The American Red Cross' leadership in emergency response and preparedness training has had a positive impact on sudden cardiac arrest survival," said Brian Webster, president and CEO, Physio-Control, Inc. "Together, the Red Cross and Physio-Control will continue to expand the use of AEDs by the public and first responders by providing the highest quality, most reliable, most innovative emergency medical products and services available."